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Disabled sailor's minibus appeal

By: KentOnline reporter multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 00:00, 21 February 2008

APPEAL: Hilary Lister sails round the Isle of Wight last year. Picture: MARK LLOYD

A RECORD-BREAKING disabled sailor is pleading for help on dry land to keep her bid to sail around Britain afloat.

Hilary Lister, 35, from Dunkirk, near Canterbury, is “itching to go” on her 1,500 mile sail clockwise around the Britsh Isles but there are two details of her plan still missing.

She desperately needs two minibuses for her team and equipment for the three-month project.

Hilary, who suffers from a degenerative muscle condition, became the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the Channel in 2005 using a pioneering sip-and-puff breathing technique to power and steer her boat.

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She followed that with a solo sail around the Isle of Wight last year using the same method.

Hilary, a former pupil at King’s School, Canterbury, said: “I am itching to get started but we desperately need the two minibuses.

“I want to make a plea to any individual or business.

“One minibus must be adapted for wheelchair access but the other can be a standard vehicle.

“We have been planning the trip for two years but it is proving very difficult to get transport for the summer period when many businesses or individuals are using their minibuses.

“If we don’t get them the trip is off.”

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The minibuses must be big enough to hold at least six people.

Hilary has sailed many miles on the Westbere lakes in training where she is a member of Westbere Sailing Opportunities charity.

She said: “I’ve also done quite a bit in The Solent. My husband Clifford, has been running me all over the place.

“He and other family members will come and visit at different times during the journey.

“The most difficult parts will be the east coast where there are fewer places to stop.”

Anyone who can help should email hilary@hilarylister.com

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